What if???

Mark · 04-30-2007, 05:38 PM

Do you ever wonder what could have happened had a buyer stepped in and snapped up Sunline?

My old trailer, a Trail-lite Bantam B-22S hybrid was made by R-vision. In my opinion, R-vision was poorly run by its mgmt. and produced some lightweight poor quality models (their heavier models fared a bit better).

So I was AMAZED when I read that Monaco Coach was looking to get into the lightweight trailer end of the market, and they bought R-vision last year. When I think Monaco, I think bug $.

What if a big company like that---one that has no competing product would have stepped in------it seems to me even the $600K intellectual property on sale on E-bay might be a safe bet for a larger company.

Although, once the factory was torn apart by auctioneers, I am not sure
the value is still there.

tinybluetj · 05-01-2007, 06:50 AM

Yes, I was shocked to see that Monaco did not alter the quality of the R-vision. I was told by the factory rep. that they it was not the 'lightweight market' they wanted (the do have the McKenzie, and I was hoping they would add the Sunline to that line- that was the one we were looking at until we got such a deal on the Que

), but they wanted an 'entry level price point' trailer. I guess they got it....

**Sunline Fan** · 05-01-2007, 07:44 AM

I like the idea of Sunline being bought, but then again, is it worth the risk of sacrificing quality? If a well known manufacturer bought them, I would only hope they would keep everything Sunline is known for. I think manufacturers that buy up other companies (like Monaco) and keep everything the same are very few and far between.

Jon

tinybluetj · 05-01-2007, 09:20 AM

Probably right, Jon. The Monaco guy did mention to me that he "does not advertise" the fact the the co. owns R-Vision" That told me all I wanted to know about that product!

Makers Mark · 05-01-2007, 10:32 AM

If I understand you guys, Monaco is keeping the tradition and quality level of the R-vision line good or bad and letting the market do as it wishes. Would you agree the Monaco name would suffer if they used Monaco trademark on R-vison products?

In Sunline's case all the equipment, manufacturing process, facilities and skilled labor are gone. A buyer at this point would have to re-invent the manufacturing processes for the Sunline intellectual property regardless of the quality levels of Sunlines past. That could be good or bad depending on the physical plant processes that buyer would bring to the table. They say to be carefull for what you wish for. Jon you may be right, do we want to sacrifice quality?
MM

**Tweety** · 05-01-2007, 11:14 AM

Is there a time limit on the intellectual property sale on ebay? I lost the link to that site. I'm keeping an eye on the building which is for sale, and will post if it has a sold sign. It really is a shame. I'd think that the original owners would be heartbroken.

**Sunline Fan** · 05-01-2007, 01:34 PM

Pam,

There was a time limit on the eBay ad, and it expired a couple days ago. It was for 30 days. However, nothing sold, and I know this because there is now another ad (two actually) for another 30 days.

Here's a link to my highly refined search of eBay. You will find the ads at the bottom.

Jon

**Tweety** · 05-01-2007, 02:26 PM

Thanks for the link, and WOW that was interesting. 19% of their sales in 2006 were the QUE? I am in shock, since one of the rumors I heard was that the cost of developing the QUE was one of the reasons they went under. The volume, margin etc. are also very interesting.

Poppy & Nana · 05-01-2007, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quetse

Thanks for the link, and WOW that was interesting. 19% of their sales in 2006 were the QUE? I am in shock, since one of the rumors I heard was that the cost of developing the QUE was one of the reasons they went under. The volume, margin etc. are also very interesting.

I just heard exactly the same thing on Saturday...WOW, the ole' rumor mill must be in HIGH gear.

Bobo · 05-01-2007, 03:09 PM

Amy and I looked at the Monoco owned ultralights ( R-Visions). As soon as I saw staples throughout the unit and a ceiling vent mounted wrong, I wondered if this is what I can see right off the bat, what is hidden in the walls and ceiling?

Did not even have to guess at the Sunline about the quality. As I told the sales rep, I f I see staples, I did not want it!!!

edzius · 05-01-2007, 03:45 PM

When I was down in PA a week ago I received info. from a credible source that Sunline owed money to quite a few vendors including the original owners. Sounds like the buyer group offered a high price on purpose with little intent of paying it all. It is unfortunate but Sunline was probably doomed back when the sale occurred. Look what happened to a previous furniture business that one of the buyer parties was involved with. Sunline could be a victim of "strip & flip". Now the courts will settle.....sad.

Ed

Poppy & Nana · 05-01-2007, 07:24 PM

OK here is another "WHAT IF":

What if we were all rich enough to buy Sunline.....we all know we are smart about Sunlines and camping.....so we know what people would be looking for....we could have kept on a terrific workforce and possibly make some $.

Boy isn't that a dream!

**Sunline Fan** · 05-01-2007, 07:44 PM

I'm in

! Anyone else want to join me? First off, I'd start with a bunk model...

Jon

vcrt · 05-01-2007, 07:55 PM

Quote:

As I told the sales rep, I f I see staples, I did not want it!!!

Don't be down on staples-Sunline used 'em too! Their structural members (walls, floors) used a combination of staples and wood screws.
I know, I've torn apart both ends of my Sunline to repair water damage.
Rich

kanyonkitty · 05-01-2007, 08:01 PM

I'm in. The floor plan of the 2499, BUT longer (maybe 4 feet?) so that you could have a sofa slide, a larger kitchen, and maybe slightly larger bedroom. Also, move the W/H under the kitchen counter, I believe it would fit since the sink is in a corner.

Kitty

Bobo · 05-03-2007, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcrt

Quote:

As I told the sales rep, I f I see staples, I did not want it!!!

Don't be down on staples-Sunline used 'em too! Their structural members (walls, floors) used a combination of staples and wood screws.
I know, I've torn apart both ends of my Sunline to repair water damage.
Rich

What I meant was that we could see staples in the moldings, cabinets, ceiling, basically out in the open. It also bothered me that they tried to cover up the staples with a putty that wasn't close in color. The way I see it, if the manufacturer did not care enough on these items, what would be wrong in areas that we could not see? If a manufacturer (like Sunline) sweats out the small stuff, you know the inner workings are good too.